Strings of Fate

26- Schedules and sick days

I tap Darrien on the arm to let me see. He moves to the side a little to reveal Maggie’s grandson Logan. The eleven year old looks pale and sweaty. His blond hair is almost plastered to his head. He’s bundled up in a thick jacket and looks completely miserable.

“Logan!” I shove Darrien out the way, he moves aside which is good because me pushing him likely had little effect.

“Sweetie, are you okay? You look a mess. Where’s your mum? What are you doing here? You didn’t walk here did you?” I stop myself to give him a chance to answer. His usually confident tone that reminds me so much of Maggie is quiet.

“I’m too sick for school so mum drove me here because she has to go to work. I knocked and waited a while but I don’t think Nana is home. Do you think you could call her for me please?” The poor thing looks dreadful. I’ve always liked Logan. He was only nine the first time we met and although my unusual eyes made him uncomfortable at first, he got used to them and now he treats me normally.

“Of course I’ll call her. But first come in and sit down.” I order. He compliantly steps inside and sits at the table. I grab my phone and select Maggie from my speed dial. It rings a few times but she doesn’t answer. I hang up. I guess I’ll just have to keep Logan here with me until she comes back from wherever she is. I would guess probably the markets.

“Sweetie, she didn’t answer. Your Nana is probably shopping and didn’t hear her phone. She

thinks you’re at school and isn’t expecting you. You can stay here with me until she comes. home okay?” I tell him. Logan nods, he looks a little uncomfortable but I don’t have a better alternative for him. He keeps sending sideways looks towards Darrien.

“Oh don’t worry about him. He only looks big and scary. He’s a big softie, aren’t you Darrien?” I poke Darrien’s arm. To my surprise, Darrien smiles and kneels down so he’s closer to Logan’s height while he is sitting in the chair.

“Hi, I’m Darrien.” He holds out a hand to the little boy. Logan contemplates it for a moment before taking Darrien’s hand and shaking it. He might be a little frightened but he is always such a polite kid. He opens his mouth then closes it again.

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“Do you want to say something Logan? It’s okay.” I tell him gently. He looks over at me then back to Darrien who is still kneeling beside him.

“You’re a Magic like Ryann aren’t you?” he blurts out. He then blushes, but he’s so pale and ill looking that it looks more like he has been running a marathon than anything else. Darrien nods.

not the same as Ryann. I’m

He asks. Darrien

repeats.

My Nana says there is. She says I’m not allowed to ask to see but she didn’t say I couldn’t ask what kind.”

nods his understanding. His nervousness seems to have been replaced with curiosity. Who knew Darrien was so good with

I want you to come lie down. I’ll bring you some orange juice and if you promise to be patient while you wait for your Nana I’ll let you watch a movie on my laptop okay?” Logan gives me a smile

I promise not to be in the way.”

lead him into my bedroom and get him tucked in under the blankets. I’ll have to change them when he heads. home. He looks so tiny in the bed. I pull out my laptop and help

go to the kitchen to answer this call. I’ll come watch the movie with you

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head quickly into the other room. I leave my bedroom door open so I can keep an eye on Logan.

Is everything okay?” He demands before I can even

realise that Maggie isn’t home. He’s watching

need anything?”

fine. Thanks though.”

your work? You have a shift starting

“I say

told you. pointedly, Bellamy is silent for a moment. When

your schedule when I spoke to your workplace. I needed to know when you would be available. Plus I wanted to make sure

have just asked me when I’m

answers vaguely. He changes the topic and I let it drop

can ask someone to

If I haven’t heard from Maggie in the next hour or so